Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Jammy each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced tactile bump, which provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Its distinctively loud, bass-heavy sound profile adds an auditory element that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing. In contrast, the HMX Jammy presents a linear switch experience characterized by a softer, glittery nylon housing that prioritizes a smooth, muted keystroke. This switch caters to those who prefer a quieter environment and a more fluid typing motion without tactile interruptions. Both switches possess bouncy characteristics, which can appeal to typists seeking responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Jammy, it is clear that they utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is a result of the material's rigidity, allowing for a more resonant sound experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Jammy employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound vibrations, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials means that the acoustic characteristics of the two switches diverge quite significantly during typist engagement.
However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a notable similarity. Both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jammy use nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to the overall sound profile. As nylon effectively absorbs sound, both switches will evoke a deeper and fuller auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. This shared material means that while the sound upon release varies due to the different top housing compositions, the bottoming-out experience will still provide a similarly robust acoustic characteristic because of the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the differing top materials and the shared nylon bottom housing lead to a nuanced experience across the two switches. The polycarbonate top of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a brighter sound when keys are released, while the nylon top of the Jammy helps in producing a softer sound profile. Nonetheless, for users who prefer a fuller typing experience irrespective of the top housing differences, the commonalities in the nylon bottom housing ensure that they will enjoy a consistent underpinning sound quality when actuating the switches. Thus, both switches have distinctive yet complementary attributes that provide a diverse auditory experience while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it easier on the fingers for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch requires a significantly heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This heavier feel may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, ideal for those who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue, while the Jammy switch caters to those who favor a firmer push. This contrast means that users can choose based on their preference for typing feel and overall experience with the keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option that may offer quicker response times favored by gamers and those seeking more immediate feedback. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which provides a more substantial press, potentially yielding a more tactile and deliberate keystroke experience. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice, while the longer travel distance of the HMX Jammy switch would suit those who appreciate a deeper, more engaged typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a notable auditory experience characterized by a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch. This can offer a robust and engaging typing environment, particularly for those who enjoy feedback that resonates through the keys. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch is known for a clacky sound that produces a sharp, snappy auditory feedback, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. While both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the overall sound experience may still vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choices, leading to a unique auditory blend in each setup.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a range of qualities that elevate its tactile engagement. It features a pronounced tactile bump, creating an invigorating feedback experience, coupled with a polished surface that offers a smooth and refined typing sensation. The switch's bounciness enhances its liveliness, allowing for a reactive and enjoyable typing encounter. Conversely, the HMX Jammy switch also provides a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like response during use, accompanied by a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. Both switches share the polished and bouncy attributes, creating an enjoyable typing experience, although the Creamy Purple Pro's invigorating tactility gives it a more pronounced tactile character.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX Jammy switches differ in sound, with the former leaning towards a loud bassy profile and the latter providing a bright clacky quality, both excel in tactile feel. They share attributes of being polished and bouncy, ensuring smooth travel and lively feedback during use. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for sound versus tactile feel, but both offer solid, enjoyable typing experiences that cater to various tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lively, tactile feedback with an invigorating bump and don’t mind a louder typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro could be your best bet. Its lighter bottom-out force makes it suitable for long typing sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate, while the polished and bouncy feel enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted and deeply satisfying sensation with a heavier actuation, the HMX Jammy switch may be more to your liking. Its clacky yet crisp sound profile, along with a smooth polished finish and medium-weight feel, provides a balanced typing experience that is pleasant without being overpowering. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing needs: go for the Creamy Purple Pro for an engaging tactile response or opt for the Jammy for a comfortable, linear feel that strikes a balance between feedback and quiet operation.